I am liking the .38 Long Colt more and more. 44 caliber 1860 production numbered about 200,000. Total 1851 production (including London made) was around 250,000, with another 40,000 to 50,000 of the 1861 (barrel change, same grip, frame, and cylinder). That is 100,000 units (50%) more than the 1860.
COLT 1860s were made from 1860 to 1865, then R & R-M conversions 1871 to 1873 (a total of 7 years between the two). The 1851 and conversions, were being produced for almost 30 years until 1880. The longevity of production, as well as the shear numbers that were produced certainly implies how popular the "underpowered" .36 percussion/.38 Long Colt revolvers were.